Renowned ABT dancer to speak about memoir in Bed-Stuy

January 22, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland will appear at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on Jan. 26 to read from her book “Life in Motion.” Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

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Misty Copeland, who has made history as the only African-American soloist dancing with the renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT), will visit Brooklyn on Jan. 26 to speak about her New York Times bestselling memoir “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.” Appearing at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation for a Greenlight Bookstore event, the New York City resident will discuss her career as a ballerina and will sign books.

In her memoir, Copeland revisits her first experiences with ballet at an after-school community center. She recalls that no one expected her — a small, nervous 13-year-old — to become a pioneering dancer.

But soon after discovering ballet, Copeland — who was living in a cramped motel room with five siblings — was dancing en pointe. In just over a year, she began performing professionally — an astonishing feat for a classical dancer.

Copeland traces her career as it intersected with some of the less glamorous details of her personal life, including a highly publicized custody battle. “Life in Motion” offers readers a glimpse into the cutthroat world of professional ballet, while also illustrating a poignant story of a young woman who dared to dream of a different life.

The Jan. 26 event begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation is located at 1368 Fulton St. (at Marcy Avenue). visit greenlightbookstore.com for tickets.

An $18.50 basic ticket includes a guaranteed seat and a copy of the book. A $75 VIP ticket (limited to 50 guests) includes premium event seating, private pre-event reception with Copeland from 6 to 7 p.m., and an exclusive final viewing of “I Am Here: Safe Places for Girls” photography exhibit following the event, as well as a copy of the book.